Montenegro: the best country in Europe?

When people use to ask me what’s my favourite country in Europe, I always use to say Montenegro. It’s absolutely stunning. For so, so many reasons. Although it’s a small country, one of the smallest in Europe in fact, it has so many beautiful places and a fascinating history too. Although, I’ve only been to Montenegro once, I have been longing to return every since.

It’s not as well-known as it’s neighbour, Croatia. But that’s one of it’s main selling points. Whereas the popularity of Croatia has exploded, leading to the old town’s of Split and Dubrovnik becoming swamped with tourists, Montenegro has not… yet. It has many of the same features as Croatia. It’s got it’s own stretch of Adriatic coastline, beautiful walled towns, mountains stretching to the sea, mystical islands and magnificent national parks. It’s even got the second deepest canyon in the world – after the Grand Canyon. It’s cheaper than Croatia too (and your budget will be helped by the fact that nature is free to enjoy). Honestly, what more could you want from a country?

While I plan to write a few blogs on Montenegro, because I honestly have so much to say and re-living the adventure will spur me onto buying a return flight, this post will feature some of the highlights of my trip, to provide a taste of exactly what you’re missing out on by not venturing into Montenegro. Enjoy.

Top 5 places to visit in Montenegro:

1. Kotor

An incredibly beautiful UNESCO town with a bustling old town and charming harbour located on the Gulf of Kotor. You can climb a few thousand steps up Kotor’s walls for an incredible view over the town. If you want to read more about Kotor, stay tuned for my upcoming blog!

2. Perast

Another UNESCO town – except this is one that you cannot take cars into. It’s only a few kilometers down the road from Kotor, but it’s got a very unique charm. While you can get proper boat tours out to the Our Lady of the Rock island, it’s much more fun (and much less money) to have some 15 year old local take you over in their barely seaworthy boat.

3. Cetinje

It’s just over the mountain from Kotor and is the former capital of the country. It’s a beautiful city, surrounded by mountains and a great place to spend a few hours. It’s also got one of the coolest characters I’ve met travelling – the singing, dancing, horseshoe and cattle-bell making blacksmith.

4. Lovćen National Park

This is a place that’ll take your breath away. Aside from the dramatic mountain landscape, dominated by Mount Lovćen, you need to climb the many, many steps to Njegos Mausoleum on the national parks second highest peak. The top affords you incredible views across the majority of the country – the restaurant at the bottom is not a bad place to stop for a beer either.

5. Durmitor National Park

Even for those who do make it to Montenegro, few people venture to the north of the country; to Durmitor National Park. This is a massive shame as it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in Europe. It was enhanced by our stay in the spare room of a local elderly women who spoke absolutely no English and her friendly son. You’ve not only got incredible views from the road, but you’ve also got the stunning Black Lake, breathtaking Tara Canyon (the second deepest canyon in the world) and the impressive Tara bridge too. I will return. I have to.

If this blog isn’t enough to entice you into visiting this beautiful country, then please check out what else I’ve written on Montenegro. You can decide for yourself whether or not it is, as I could easily argue, the best country in Europe.

I hope I’ve now convinced you to go to Montenegro – now let me convince you to pin this post. Let’s go!

Your post gave me some serious Wanderlust for the weekend lol These photos are absolutely stunning!!! I don´t even know whether I like more the UNESCO towns or the nature ( sea, lakes and mountains). Montenegro has been on my bucket list for a while! As the majority – I´ve only been to Croatia… Nevertheless, I´ve heard so many amazing things from some friends who went that I would so love to visit it one day! Thanks for sharing #WeekendWanderlust

I have heard a lot of great things about the country and with your comments it seems more and more promising – the sunshine, the water, the heritage. Okay, flight booked for this year 😊@knycx.journeying

I had no idea the second deepest canyon in the world is in Montenegro. But I did know it’s a beautiful country! Friends from the region have told me – often – that it’s a Must See country. One day!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures!

we’re thinking of visiting Slovenia this year, also a less known neighbor of Croatia. Well, by seeing your pictures, I can say Montenegro would be also a great option for our holidays as we love nature.

Montenegro really is a great little country, totally agree. I went to all of those except for Durmitor during my visit and glad to see Cetinje on your list. Lovcen is beautiful too and how about that view from the top! Herceg Novi near the border with Croatia is also quite nice and peaceful. Hoping to return to Montenegro either this year or next year. #weekendwanderlust

Montenegro looks beautiful! I’ve been looking into Kotor as the main destination, or at least one of the big stops, on an upcoming trip. Of course, Croatia is another big one, and you’ve just given Montenegro an edge with the low costs and relatively fewer tourists. 🙂 The national parks look beautiful as well!

In my memory, Montenero was just independant 20 years ago. So, in an Asian mind like mine, It seems Montenegro is still a country of war. Now you post has brounght a different understanding on me about this lovely country. Wow ! it is so beautiful with amazing UNESCO sites!

Wow. a great place to go to and thanks for the introduction. I have read a lot about the country (I have not sure how many blogs talking about Montenegro…) and so, it’s time to start planning 🙂 @knycx.journeying

What a beautiful country and I want to visit all the places you mentioned and more! I like that it has fewer tourists and it’s budget-friendly. In my book, that is always a bonus. Looking forward to reading more of your posts.

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About You Bloody Tourist

Welcome! I’m Anthony, a 25 year old budget traveller, wannabe adventurer and occasional travel writer. This site is more of a digital diary than anything, but if I can inspire you to do anything that’s a plus. More here.